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If you have an artistic bent, are creative, and are equally good at math, architecture is your calling! Imagination, attention to detail, critical analysis of elements, love of spaces, etc., are some of the qualities needed for architects.
The world has some great architectural marvels - from the Taj Mahal to Christ the Redeemer - that are timeless. Architects are in demand not just to create, but also to restore, and renovate buildings and spaces. Architecture has become integral to our society and the need of the hour today is green and sustainable buildings.
This is why an architecture degree abroad can give you that much-needed edge and exposure to the latest trends in building technology and construction, which can fast-track your career and help you contribute to society.
Explore our detailed guide on how to study architecture abroad, the types of specialisations available, average tuition costs for postgraduate courses, and career prospects for graduates.
What is architecture?
Architecture, (stems from the Latin word, architectura) is both the art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable. It involves planning, sketching, drawing, and constructing buildings that are safe, energy-efficient, and aligned with societal and cultural needs.
There are numerous styles of architecture - Victorian, classic, modern, religious, vernacular, contemporary, industrial, landscape, and more. Modern architecture uses advanced tools and technology like Computer-aided design (CAD), 3D modelling, and Building Information Modelling (BIM). Architects are involved in all aspects of constructing a building, starting from designing to managing and constructing.
Best countries to study architecture
According to the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings for 2024, the best countries to study electronic engineering are the USA and the UK.
There are more than 35 universities in the USA that are ranked among the top 250 globally as per THE rankings, with MIT and Harvard being the top 2 for architecture. The UK has about 23 universities, which are among the top 250 worldwide with the University of Cambridge at number 1 spot.
Apart from these 2 countries, the other countries among the best in the world for architecture are:
- Australia - 21 universities feature among the top 400 globally
- Canada - About 15 universities are listed among the top 500 worldwide
- Germany - 11 universities in Germany have made it to the top 500 for architecture
China and Hong Kong are also close behind with a few of their universities ranking in the top 10.
What is taught as part of an architecture course?
Architecture involves several branches like design, theory, drawing, graphics, 3D modelling, etc. The first year of an undergraduate architecture degree focuses on fundamental design principles, engineering, planning, and science. Design skills include architectural drawing, model making, and graphic representation. The second and third year introduces more complexity with subjects like building technology, construction laws, contract management, and so on.
You can choose your specialisations during postgraduation. Options include urban planning, sustainable design, and more.
The architecture course curriculum typically includes subjects like:
- Urban planning and design
- Interior design
- Structural design
- History of architecture
- Building codes and law
- Construction technology
- Landscape architecture
- Digital architecture
- Sustainable architecture, adaptive reuse
- Environmental design and many others
Top-ranking universities for architecture courses
Some of the top-ranking universities (as per the QS World University Rankings by subject) offering electrical and electronic engineering degrees abroad are:
- UCL London, UK
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- Delft University of Technology, Netherlands
- ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- Manchester School of Architecture
- National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
- Harvard University, USA
- Politecnico di Milano, Italy
- Tsinghua University, China
- University of California, Berkeley (UCB), USA
Subject spcialisations
Students pursuing a master's in architecture have a variety of options, ranging from architectural history and architectural design to real estate planning and urban design. Some of the subject specialisations that are offered as a part of the architecture degrees are listed below:
Master of Architecture - High-Performance Technology: This course emphasises construction technology, methods, and systems and addresses specific technical challenges related to construction. The course also discusses integrated solutions for buildings that include low-carbon design and other high-performance technologies. This is a 2-year full-time programme.
MA Conservation of Historic Buildings: This course provides a combination of theory and practice-based learning on building conservation and sustainability. Students will also get a work placement in a conservation organisation. The duration of this course is 1 year.
Master of Design (Architecture and Design): This course focuses on the process of designing and research and paves the way for roles in senior management and leadership. This is a full-time course of 2 years.
Master of Architecture - Housing: A two-year full-time programme, this course encourages students to extend their undergraduate skills in architecture to solve technical problems in housing. You will learn housing design, different types of housing, and types of hybrid buildings.
Master of Arts in Interior Architecture: This programme offers in-depth education on designing architectural spaces. You will learn drawing, and sketching, and use advanced technologies and tools for design along with understanding design codes and practices through hands-on learning. The course also teaches you lighting and furniture design. This course is offered full-time and lasts for 30 hours.
Master of Architectural Science (Audio and Acoustics): This 1.5 year course offers a foundation in the design, theory, and measurement of audio and acoustics. Students will learn how sound impacts communication, spatial awareness, and entertainment. They will also understand sound design, sound system and recording design, acoustic engineering, computer modelling and even psychology. This course is intended for students who are architects, audio engineers, sustainability designers, architects, and interior designers.
Eligibility criteria for studying architecture courses
The eligibility criteria for architecture courses depend on the course, the university, and the country you choose. A Tier-1 university that attracts more applicants will have stricter entry requirements when compared to a smaller university. Go through each university and country's requirements carefully before you apply.
For postgraduate degrees
Here are the general requirements for pursuing a postgraduate degree in architecture abroad. Please check your chosen course and the university for exact requirements. In addition to these, you must also furnish your statement of purpose, recommendation letters, your CV, and other relevant documents as required.
Academic requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in architecture or a degree in design and built environment, from a recognised university
- Good academic grades (60%-70% passing marks)
Entrance tests/Competitive tests
GRE score of 320 or higher (most universities accept applications without GRE - check individual university criteria) if applicable
Work experience
Portfolio of your work that showcases projects and creative work that you have done
Language proficiency
- IELTS 6.5 or higher
- TOEFL IBT 79 or above
- Other equivalent language test scores
Cost of studying postgraduate architecture courses
The tuition fee for architecture courses depends on the country, the programme, the duration, and the university of your choice. It can range between INR 20 to 70 lakhs. The cost of studies in the USA or the UK is higher than in countries like Canada or Australia. However, you can avail of scholarships to help with the costs.
Here are approximate tuition costs for postgraduate studies in architecture in the top 3 countries:
|
Country |
Tuition fees per annum (approx.) |
|
USA |
INR 25,00,000 – 55,00,000 |
|
UK |
INR 19,00,000 – 34,00,000 |
|
Australia |
INR 20,00,000 – 27,00,000 |
Career prospects
Architects may work in general practice or choose to specialise in an area. Architecture opens different career paths starting from traditional architectural practice to lighting and sound design.
Other specialised areas for architects include urban development, industrial and commercial developments, building conservation and renovation. Further, architecture graduates can take up real estate and civil engineering jobs.
The average salary for architects is US$ 90,030 per year in the US and can range between US$ 53,900 to US$ 150,379 per annum [Source: Indeed,2024].
Some of the in-demand jobs for architecture graduates include:
- Architect
- Urban planners and designer
- Construction manager
- Architectural technologist
- Building conservationist
- Restoration architect
- Landscape architect
- Structural engineer
- Interior or spatial designer
- BIM modeler
Studying architecture offers several benefits such as a world-class education, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and plenty of career opportunities worldwide. Explore our comprehensive database of architecture courses abroad to find the right fit for you.
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